The Transition from Paganism to Christianity

Where it surfaces

• The Religion of Numa

  The chapter depicts the lingering 'religion of Numa' as a survival of older paganism, set against the eventual triumph of Christianity.

• IV: The Tree of Knowledge

  The chapter contrasts the early 'religion of the villa' (associated with Christian or pious sentiment) with the rival 'religion' of sensuous paganism represented by Flavian and the worldly life of Pisa.

• The Golden Book

  The story's pagan gods and rituals (e.g., worship of Venus, oracles of Apollo) contrast with emerging Christian sensibilities, highlighting the cultural and religious transition of the era.

• Euphuism

  The description of the Isis procession and the pagan mythological references highlight the pagan context, while Marius's ideal of love and hiddenness hints at themes that would later be central to Christian thought.

• XI: “The Most Religious City in the World”

  The chapter contrasts the elaborate pagan rituals and polytheistic devotion of Rome with the emerging Christian sensibility, exemplified by Cornelius's rejection of idolatry.

• XIII: The "Mistress and Mother" of Palaces

  Aurelius is both a polytheist pontifex and a philosopher with a saintly halo, blending pagan ritual with a quasi-divine prestige that anticipates later Christian notions of sanctity.

• Manly Amusement

  The religious character of the pagan spectacles and the critique of their cruelty foreshadow the moral sensibilities that Christianity would later champion.

• XX: Two Curious Houses

  The chapter explores pagan philosophical and mystical ideas (Platonic Idealism, animism) against Marius's yearning for transcendence in a 'hard world.'

• Guests

  The chapter touches on pagan religious practices and beliefs, such as the cult of Aesculapius and the Platonic idea of souls in matter, hinting at the broader spiritual transitions of the era.